A Bahamian delegation led by Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson is currently on a trade mission to Washington, DC, with the aim of attracting more business and investment to The Bahamas. Pictured: Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson, centre, discusses investment opportunities with members of the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC, March 5, 2018. (BIS Photo)

A Bahamian delegation led by Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson is currently on a trade mission to Washington, DC, with the aim of attracting more business and investment to The Bahamas.

The purpose of the trade mission is to have dialogue with US companies, government officials, Chambers of Commerce and the business community to attract business and investment to The Bahamas, and more particularly Grand Bahama.

This week the delegation met with Neil Herrington, senior vice-president, US Chamber of Commerce, and informed him of new initiatives to attract investment such as the Commercial Enterprise Act and reforms with respect to ease of doing business.

Also discussed was the technology hub initiative by the government for Grand Bahama, and the desire to attract technology businesses to Grand Bahama.

Discussions also centred on the opening a US Chamber office in Grand Bahama to help attract investment.

The delegation also met with Alexander Peacher, office director of the US Department of Commerce, on ways the US government can assist in making The Bahamas even more attractive for investment.

The group also met with Belen Gallegos of Select USA, which is an arm of the Department of Commerce that can assist Bahamian companies set up and access the US market. In addition, they met with US Exim Bank to discuss ways Bahamian companies can access funding.

The group is scheduled to meet with US companies and the DC Chamber of Commerce on trade and investment opportunities for Grand Bahama and The Bahamas.

Pictured: Bahamian delegates meet with representatives of the US Chamber of Commerce at it headquarters in Washington, DC, March 5, 2018. (BIS Photo)

Pictured: Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson, centre front row, heads a delegation of Bahamian stakeholders that is currently visiting the US, March 5, 2018. (BIS Photo)